Choosing a binding machine can be confusing. There are a lot of options on the market, for many different types of binding. If you are looking for a desktop binding unit, but still want higher-volume capacity, the Akiles Coilmac EPI may be the right binding machine for you. This heavy-duty electric spiral coil-binding machine has both an electric punch and an electric coil inserter, making it very versatile. The Coilmac EPI is also one of the largest and most impressive desktop combination units on the market today. Its features are perfect for any medium to large organization looking for a reliable binder that can take on larger projects.

To that end, the Coilmac EPI is a desktop binding machine with one of the largest punch-capacities available now. It's official punching capacity is 25 sheets for 20lb bond paper, but the true capacity is probably a bit closer to 22 sheets. The Coilmac EPI also has the ability to punch 2 clear covers at a time, using a foot pedal control. This type of control allows you to hold your document in both hands while punching and inserting, making the project much easier and more convenient. In addition, the machine's open-throat design allows you to punch longer documents. This can be accomplished by using the continuous punching guide, which is actually just a small metal pin on the side of the punching throat. This pin helps you align a document while you flip it over and punch the other side ? a clever and effective idea.

The punching guide is not where the extras end, however. The Coilmac EPI also includes a pair of coil crimping pliers. These pliers make it possible for you to finish your coil bound documents in a neat and professional way. In addition, a depth-of-punch margin control, which allows the user to adjust for hole locations within the diameter of the page. The machine also allows adjustments for binding 8.5?, 11?, A4 and A5 paper and punching 14? legal sized paper. This is the kind of flexibility that can be very helpful if you create a lot of different kinds of documents. And unlike most coil-binding machines, the Coilmac EPI has the ability to bind oversized covers. This is accomplished by moving the paper guide to align the last pin on the machine with the last hole on the cover, creating perfect alignment, every time.

As we have discovered, the Coilmac demonstrates a variety of unique benefits, but there are also a few limitations to this machine. For instance, this binding machine doesn't include fully disengageable dies. This isn't a huge issue, but it can make it difficult to work on customized and non-standard documents. Another issue is the machine's single foot pedal. When the foot pedal is used, you must flip a switch to change from inserting to punching. This can really cause the binder to be less than efficient. This is especially true for people who want to punch one document first, then insert the coil, and so on. The Coilmac EPI is better for punching all of your documents first, then insert all of the coils at once.

If larger-volume projects are important to you, the Coilmac EPI may not be the perfect choice. In that situation, you may be better served by purchasing a stand-alone coil inserter with a modular punch. This kind of set-up makes it possible for two people to work on a project at the same time

The Coilmac EPI is a very sturdy machine and is made with an all-metal, heavy-duty construction, this machine is built to last, or as one user put it, its built ?like a tank. The machine weighs 75lbs, which is quite heavy for a desktop binder. Because of this great durability, the CoilMac EPI really is a great binding machine high or medium volume projects and day, after day use.

There is only one component on the CoilMac EPI that may need replacement on a regular basis. This part is the small rubber belt, which is used to drive the coil inserter. This part is easy to replace and is not very expensive, costing just a few dollars. If there are any other components that fail on the CoilMac EPI, they can certainly be replaced, but the chances are good that this will never happen. However, if there is some sort of a mechanical problem, the EPI is very easy and inexpensive to repair, much more so than many of the other desktop binding machines.

The Coilmac EPI is a great solution if you require a well-made, spiral-coil binding machine and plan to use it for medium to large volume applications. The EPI is definitely well-built and can handle almost any project you give it. As mentioned before, if your needs are very high-volume, you may need to purchase a stand-alone coil inserter. This could potentially effect your decision to buy the Coilmac EPI. In most every other way, however, the EPI is a great solution for your many binding needs.